Annual Water Treatment Process Change

TriRiver Water typically uses chloramine (a combination of ammonia and chlorine) to disinfect its drinking water. The North Carolina Division of Water Resources requires all water treatment facilities stop using ammonia for 30 days once per year to help maintain the highest quality of water. 

Why the Change?

Without being bound to ammonia, chlorine will burn itself up before it can travel through the entire distribution system. Chloramine lasts longer because chlorine becomes less reactive when it is bound to ammonia.

Therefore, we use chloramine for 11 months of the year because it lasts longer in the system (doesn't burn itself up) and is very efficient at eliminating organisms. Because it is so reactive, chlorine is used without ammonia for one month to provide the strongest level of disinfectant and clean out any buildup in the lines.

Additionally, we will flush the water mains throughout our system during this time to remove any built up sediment and refresh the entire distribution system.

This process of maintaining and cleaning the water lines is something TriRiver Water does regularly to care for the lines and ensure we are continuing to deliver the highest water quality.

Date of Change

Each year, the majority of the TriRiver Water service area stops adding ammonia to the water supply on March 1 and resumes adding ammonia to the disinfection process on April 1. 

Chatham County North District, however, performs this process from February 2 until March 2. 

What to Expect

While this process is underway, you may notice your water smells or tastes different. It could also be discolored. Rest assured, your water is still safe. There are no associated health risks with this standard process.

However, there are some optional steps you may take to counteract flavor or smell differences in your water. For example, you could use an activated carbon filter, let the water sit in an open container in your refrigerator for a little while, or add some lemon slices to your water.

In addition, if you notice discoloration at your tap, allowing the water to run for 5-10 minutes should clear it up. 

Some aquatic pets can have specific habitat needs affected by this process. If you are unsure, contact your local pet store to determine if this process could affect your pet.

Why flush the water mains?

Flushing the mains involves opening water hydrants and letting them flush into ditches. By flushing the mains, we can remove sediment and mineral buildup that can accumulate over time. 

Flushing the mains is a routine maintenance practice that helps ensure that the TriRiver Water infrastructure remains operating at peak condition to bring you the highest quality water.

Questions / Concerns

  • Sanford: Call 919-777-1803
  • Pittsboro: Call 919-542-3530
  • Siler City: Call 919-777-1634
  • Chatham County: Call 919-777-1632